Improvement Resources

OpeningTree is a free resource you can use to check the efficacy of your opening repertoire across all your online chess accounts. Simply input your username (or the username of your opponent) and you will see the win percentages of each move you make across all the games recorded in whatever online platform's database you selected (chess.com, lichess.org, etc.)

Noctie is a free resource (with premium features) you can use to practice your openings against a computer. Simply select an opening from their drop down menu, select the difficulty of player you would like to practice against, and you can play receiving live feedback against realistic moves a human opponent is likely to play in a game.

Aimchess.com offers personalized training based on your online games. It analyzes your performance in areas like openings, endgames, and time usage, then builds daily lessons to target your weaknesses. While there is a free basic version the premium plan is most comprehensive and available with advanced features.

Chessable.com uses interactive, spaced-repetition flashcards to help you learn openings, tactics, and endgames. It utilizes a scientific approach of spaced repitition to teach skills that are supposed to be easier to recall in a live game. Many courses are created by titled players.

Hanging Pawns is a free YouTube channel featuring lessons on openings, strategy, tournament games, and improvement advice—especially beginner and club-level friendly.

Remote Chess Academy is a YouTube channel led by GM Igor Smirnov, offering lessons on strategy, tactics, openings, and practical improvement tips. The videos are beginner-friendly and cover a wide range of topics in an easy-to-understand format.

Chess Dojo provides structured training plans for players rated 0–2200, with suggested books, study schedules, and a supportive community through Discord. Free to access training plans and to join the community optional donations are encouraged.

Lichess.org is a completely free and open-source chess website with no ads. It includes online games, puzzles, training tools, computer analysis, and variants like Chess960. All features are available to everyone at no cost. 

Chess.com is a widely-used online chess platform that offers live and daily games, puzzles, lessons, and analysis tools. It has a free tier with basic features, while premium memberships (starting monthly) unlock advanced tools, lessons, and unlimited puzzles. 

Chess.ca is the official site of the Chess Federation of Canada. While browsing the site and accessing ratings is free, a paid membership is required to participate in rated over-the-board tournaments in Canada and to maintain an official national rating.

This tool allows you to estimate what your rating will be based on your performance against other rated players in a tournament.